A condition characterized by yellowness of the skin, in the whites of the eyes, mucous membranes, and body fluids resulting from excess bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).

It may be caused by obstruction of bile passageways, excess destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or disturbances in the functioning of liver cells.

Another, more simplified, definition of jaundice states that it is a medical condition in which there is yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, caused by bile pigments in the blood.

It is a symptom of liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, or of a blocked bile duct, and sometimes occurs temporarily in new-born babies whose livers are slightly immature.

Jaundice is not considered a disease in itself, but rather a sign that can occur in many different diseases.

Symptoms: Yellowness, appearing first in the whites of the eyes and later over the whole skin, is the most obvious symptom.

Indigestion, nausea, poor appetite, and general malaise are other characteristics of jaundice.

Additional symptoms include itchy skin, and the feces will be pale because of the absence of bile.